West Brom and former players pay tribute to Craig Shakespeare as ex-midfielder dies aged 60
West Brom have paid tribute to Craig Shakespeare after the former Baggies player and coach sadly passed away on Thursday morning.
On 1 August, the LMA released a statement on behalf of Shakespeare’s family to say that he died surrounded by his family at the age of 60. As reported by BBC Sport, the ex-Albion midfielder had been undergoing treatment for cancer in October 2023.
Shakespeare was widely loved at The Hawthorns. He made over 120 appearances for the Baggies as a player between 1990 and 1993 and then spent nine years in behind-the-scenes roles in the Black Country, including a brief stint as caretaker manager in 2006.
After leaving Albion, Shakespeare worked with Nigel Pearson at Hull City and Leicester City, where he assisted Claudio Ranieri in winning the 2015/16 Premier League title before replacing the Italian in charge and leading the Foxes to the Champions League quarter-finals.
West Brom published a tribute to their official website on Thursday, saying: “He will be sorely missed by all in the sport, and the thoughts of everyone at Albion are with his family, friends and loved ones.
“Rest in Peace, Shakey.”
Former West Brom players pay tribute to Craig Shakespeare
Ex-Albion captain Jonathan Greening took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to his former coach, saying: “Very sad day. Rest easy, Shaky. You were an absolute top man and a great coach.
“Condolences to all your friends and family.”
Paul Robinson responded to the club’s Instagram post with crying faces and a blue heart.
Ben Foster took to Instagram to write a post about Shakespeare, who he worked with at Watford. The ex-goalkeeper said: “Rest in peace, Shakey. Lovely man.”
The WBA Former Players Association also wrote a tribute on X: “RIP Shakey, a great team mate, superb coach. Just one lovely guy. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
Pearson worked alongside Shakespeare at West Brom, Leicester, Hull and Watford. He said: “He is without hesitation one of the most wonderfully talented, emotionally understanding, calm, balanced and outrageously funny people I’ve had the privilege of calling my friend. Safe journey to the next destination my wonderful friend.”
In other West Brom news, Gary Neville has reacted to the latest transfer news emerging from The Hawthorns.
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